December 03, 2021: SOAP #4383:  Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

OBSERVATION:  The clothing we wear on the outside of our body is what people see.  Clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ would be affecting our speech and actions.  Clothed in Christ, people would see how Jesus talks and acts.  Our clothing greatly affects our testimony. 

APPLICATION:  Changing our outside conversation and actions starts with changing the inside, where we think.  We are not to let our minds control us by meditating on whatever comes to our attention; we are to control our mind; we are to obey God with how we think. 

If I allow my mind to follow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and/or the pride of life, (IJohn 2) before long, I will act out what I am thinking.  But if in obedience to the Lord and directed by the Holy Spirit I think on whatsoever is true, pure, of good report. etc. (Philippians 4:8), the Holy Spirit will start weaving those qualitied into my life. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for my mind.  It allows me to be me.  It provides me opportunity to honor you in unique ways.  Holy Spirit, help me train and apply my thoughts to the glory of God.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!